In 2012, the NSC Alliance engaged in a number of notable activities to raise the profile of natural history collections with policymakers, researchers, and the general public. A few highlights are presented below:

Conducted a Congressional briefing on digitization of natural science collections. The event was well attended by policymakers from Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and nongovernmental organizations.

Coordinated a joint society letter to the National Science Foundation (NSF) to express concerns with a proposal to alter the Collections in Support of Biological Research program.

Provided testimony to House and Senate Appropriations Committees in support of increased funding for the NSF and the Department of the Interior.